As of 0800 this morning the training ship Patriot State was located at 4 degrees, 28 minutes north latitude, and 084 degrees, west longitude. She is steering course north, 000 degrees true. We are making 8 knots. The winds are out of the east-north-east at 3 knots. Partly cloudy skies. The air temperature is 85 degrees...and the sea temperature is 83. The depth of water under the keel is 2450 meters.

Captain's Log:

Much of my time in the past two-days has been taken up with preparing the ship for docking in Caldera, Costa Rica, on Friday morning at 0800. I am in communication with the port in preparation for our arrival. Our agent is in receipt of letters and packages from home, and our cadets eagerly await there delivery.

By the time we arrive in Caldera we will have been at sea for nine days, so liberty is clearly on the minds of our cadets. Costa Rica will provide them with some interesting liberty destinations...and another inside look at a different and diverse culture.

We will be saying so long to both our President, Dr. Peter M. Mitchell, and Professor Rob O'Leary. President Mitchell has served a valuable role during the first leg of our Sea Term. He has been a constant presence on board, and has spent a great deal of his time communicating with our cadets. Certainly having the President with us sent a strong signal of 'commitment' on his behalf...and made a great impression on our cadets. Professor O'Leary, meanwhile, delivered some fascinating lectures on the history of the Panama Canal. They were well attended...and the cadets learned a great deal.

Also departing in Caldera will be our physician, Dr. Anthony Capobianco. Dr. Capobianco was handed a very difficult situation when our departed shipmate Bob Strautman took ill. Watching him care for Bob, was extrodinary. He earned the respect of everyone on board with his dedication, sensitivity, and medical expertise. It was a privilege to serve with him.

So now we continue our preparation for docking in Caldera ...much to accomplish in the next twenty-four hours, however, both cadets and crew remain up for the challenge.